Eddie Gossage, longtime Texas Motor Speedway president, dies at 65

Eddie Gossage, the longtime NASCAR promoter who oversaw the development and growth of Texas Motor Speedway in the sport’s 2000s boom, has died.

Speedway Motorsports, Inc., confirmed the news Thursday evening in a press release.

“Today we have lost one of the world’s biggest race fans,” said Marcus Smith, the president and CEO of SMI. “From his legendary promotions to the lasting relationships he developed throughout the sports and entertainment industries, Eddie Gossage meant so much to the world of motorsports. On behalf of our Speedway Motorsports teammates across the country, our hearts go out to his many friends and his beloved family.”

Gossage worked with SMI for 32 years. One of the first races he promoted was the 1992 NASCAR All-Star Race. The race was the first time NASCAR ran at night on a speedway track. He billed the race as “One Hot Night.”

A hot one, indeed. Kyle Petty spun Dale Earnhardt in the final corner. Then, Davey Allison charged to the inside of Petty. Petty and Allison made contact in the dogleg, sending Allison into the outside wall driver’s side in as he won.

Allison was hospitalized after the wreck. However, he quickly returned to duel with Petty for the 1992 title as the season went on.

A couple of years later, Bruton Smith and Humpy Wheeler recruited Gossage to make in roads on what became Texas Motor Speedway. When operations came together in 1996, they hired Gossage to run the track. He served as track president until after the June 2021 NASCAR All-Star Race when he retired.

During his time, TMS drew as many as an estimated 216,000 people on raceday. The track also expanded to two dates in 2005.

According to SMI, Gossage brought car shows and concerts with The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and Willie Nelson to TMS. He also spearheaded the world’s largest LED high-definition television, the 22,704 square-foot ‘Big Hoss’, in 2015.

Toward the end of his tenure, ticket sales slowed down. The track dropped capacity to around 112,500 people in 2014 and then around 75,000 in 2021.

Dollars and cents can’t put a price on what Gossage meant to many people in the industry, especially those who worked with him.

“Eddie Gossage was a trailblazer, promoter and innovator at a time when attracting attention was critical as Speedway Motorsports expanded NASCAR into the Lone Star State,” said Mark Faber, the executive vice president and general manager of Texas Motor Speedway. “Each day I come to work, I see the impact he had throughout our property. Eddie laid a foundation for success to build upon for generations to come and made Texas Motor Speedway a showplace of which Texans will always be proud.”

Eddie Gossage is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren. Gossage was 65.

Statements on Eddie Gossage

“Eddie Gossage was a consummate promoter whose outside-the-box ideas helped engage fans across the country. He was truly passionate about motorsports and always looking for the next great idea to bring new fans to the sport and keep them entertained at the racetrack. Our deepest condolences go to Eddie’s family and friends.”

“Eddie Gossage was a giant in the motorsports industry. His endless creativity, flair and dedication to the fan experience at Texas Motor Speedway raised the bar for racetracks across America. Eddie was a phenomenal supporter of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Our races at TMS always were among the most highly anticipated weekends on the schedule. Both for the incredible on-track action and the memorable promotions Eddie turned from ideas into reality. Eddie will be missed, and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends.” – INDYCAR President Jay Frye

Beyond shocked to learn of Eddie Gossage’s passing. The man was larger than life and one of THE biggest supporters of auto racing. He was always someone I looked to for guidance as a track promoter at Eldora. Eddie certainly made his mark and motorsports is better for it. RIP. pic.twitter.com/yjJCMCGCyk

— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) May 17, 2024